Life Stage Theories of Human Development

This research covers the depth of the lifestage theories of human development. Patterns and processes of human development are identified and evaluated.

Cognitive Concepts of Human Development

Cognitive concepts of human development were emphasized in the breadth review of lifestage theories. Elements of cognitive theory have been challenged by some contemporary researchers.

The computer metaphor theory of the cognitive system has been criticized because cognitive computer models (a) are weak in the performance of tasks involving pattern recognition, (b) poor at tasks that involve simultaneous satisfaction of socalled soft constraints, and (c) contrast poorly with the function of the brain (Lloyd, 1990, pp. 9091). The human brain excels at tasks involving pattern recognition. Even the best digital computer or artificial intelligence system, however, cannot perform even moderately well in the area of pattern recognition.

One example of a task involving a socalled soft constraint is the catching of a frisbee. For an individual to catch a frisbee, the individual must compute the trajectory of the device. In computing the trajectory of the frisbee, the individual must allow for the curves and drops that characterize the flight of a frisbee; the individual must simultaneously move toward a point of intercept between human and frisbee, all the while making sure not to run into any other object; and the individual

. . .
l programs within the context of the computer metaphor theory of the cognitive system. The reason for this improbability is held to be that the human brain is simply not fast enough to computer the functions demanded of it by large artificial intelligence models (Donald, 1991, pp. 364366). Thus, as the brain can process only about 100 discrete program steps in route to a cognitive outcome, it is less than probable that artificial intelligence programs that process millions of lines of code are representative of the functioning of the brain. As opposed to computational models, connectionists propose a brain model of the mind. Connectionist models are large networks of very simple computational units that are interconnected and running in parallel. In these models, knowledge is encoded within the pattern of the numerical strengths of the connections between the processors in the system, as opposed to being encoded in symbolic structures. The ecological approach to psychology is a functional approach. In this approach, psychological problems are construed as instances of biological adaptation. Ecological science defines perception as an awareness of one's environment. The focus in on a being's vertical experience. Vertical
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Turvey Carello, Development Cognitive, Fodor Pylyshyn, Fugita Crittenden, Rumelhart McClelland, EsveldtDawson Sherick, Family Relations, Environment Communication, Connell Mayer, Carlson Guthrie, 1990 pp, 1991 pp, data elements, behavioral system, interpersonal communications, according author, american journal, computer metaphor theory, suicidal behavior, cognitive system, computer metaphor, metaphor theory cognitive, theory cognitive system, esveldtdawson sherick 1983, sherick 1983 pp,
Approximate Word count = 8695
Approximate Pages = 35 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Life Stage Theories of Human Development